Why might someone who is not guilty take a plea bargain?
Asked by: Mrs. Marlen Denesik IV | Last update: July 5, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (66 votes)
The stress of facing trial in a criminal case, coupled with the risk of a criminal conviction if found guilty, may lead some to go for a plea agreement as a way to alleviate immediate stress and obtain a defined, albeit undeserved, resolution.
Why would someone accept a plea bargain?
Usually, a plea bargain involves getting a lesser charge on a defendant's criminal record and receiving a more lenient penalty. This can be attractive if the original charge carries substantial jail time and fines.
Why might an innocent person take a plea deal?
The primary reason an innocent person will use an Alford plea is that he or she lacks the evidence to support the defense. Often, in criminal cases, the alibi is weak, the evidence lacks strength against the prosecution's argument or there is no evidence to support the defending party against conviction.
Why would you plead not guilty?
By maintaining a not guilty plea, you ensure that your right to a fair trial is preserved, and the burden of proof remains squarely on the prosecution. Additionally, pleading not guilty allows your defense attorney the necessary time and opportunity to build a robust defense.
What needs to happen if someone enters a plea of not guilty?
A not guilty plea denies the charge and none of your constitutional rights are waived unless you expressly wish to do so. You are presumed innocent, and the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at a subsequent trial. The next hearing will be a pretrial and trial-setting conference.
Why do innocent people plead guilty to crimes they didn’t commit?
What are the consequences of pleading not guilty?
By pleading not guilty, the defendant exercises their right to a trial, during which the prosecution must prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury or judge finds the defendant not guilty, they are acquitted of the charges, and the case is closed.
When can you plead not guilty?
On Unindicted Felonies, you would enter a general denial at the arraignment and would only enter in a plea of “Not Guilty” only after the matter was indicted by a Grand Jury. At the Federal Level, as to all charges you would put in your plea of 'Not Guilty” at the Initial Appearance.
Is it worth pleading not guilty?
We strongly advise that you plead "NOT guilty" because you may leave the courtroom in handcuffs. It happens all the time. Remember, most of our clients never go to jail. Some people worry that if they plead “not guilty,” when they feel they are really guilty, that it could hurt them later.
Why do people plead guilty when they aren t?
A criminal case is settled by plea bargain every two seconds during a typical workday in the United States, according to one estimate. Innocent people are frequently coerced into pleading guilty, due to the prospect of facing more jail time or a mandatory minimum sentence.
What is it called when you don't plead guilty?
“No Contest” Pleas in California Criminal Law Cases. Pleading no contest (sometimes called nolo contendere) in a California criminal proceeding means that the defendant agrees to accept a conviction for the crime(s). However, he or she does not admit to being factually guilty when entering the plea.
Should I pleading guilty even if I'm innocent?
It will be your decision whether to plead guilty or go to trial. Even if you know you have been falsely accused of committing a crime, you will need to consider whether it is in your best interests to enter a guilty plea.
Do you go to jail right away if you plead guilty?
In most cases, you will not be taken directly to jail. Instead you will be given a period of time in which to complete your commitment. Jail alternatives such as electronic home detention and community service are commonly imposed instead of jail if you do not have criminal history.
Does plea bargaining focus on determining guilt or innocence?
Plea bargaining does not focus on determining guilt or innocence. The rights of criminal defendants are derived mostly from ancient sources. The prosecution is first to make an opening argument. Ideally, determinate sentencing assigns a fixed sentence to each offender convicted of a particular crime.
Why do judges like plea bargaining?
Plea bargains can reduce court backlogs, ease financial strains on prosecutor's offices, and free up jail and prison space. Plea bargains hold many advantages for actors in the criminal legal system, not just defendants. Prosecutors and judges stand to gain as well.
What are the odds of getting a plea bargain?
In the United States, approximately 90% of criminal cases are settled by a plea bargain. Plea bargains are offered in most California cases; however, it is entirely up to the defendant whether or not to accept it. Every defendant has the right to a fair trial.
Does pleading guilty reduce your sentence?
In order to encourage defendants to plead guilty, they will be given reduced sentences in exchange for doing so. When defendants take plea bargains instead of going to court, it saves the court and district attorneys a lot of effort and uncertainty.
Why do innocent people take plea bargains?
Because the plea-bargaining process (and other pre-trial procedures) can be arduous and anxiety-inducing, some defendants may choose to plead guilty merely to put an end to their present situation, particularly if they are in jail pending a trial or other resolution.
Why do people plead not guilty when it's obvious they are?
Generally because they want to be heard which is their right. When it comes to laws they view as unjust they may want to force the jury and thus the public to wrestle with this as well.
Why would a person plead guilty rather than take their chances in court?
Many plead guilty to guarantee a reduced sentence. Even if innocent, five years is better than eight. They know they are guilty and would be found guilty in trial and take a plea so they get less of sentence than they would get if found guilty at trial.
Is pleading not guilty lying?
Even if “you” think you are guilty, when you enter a plea of Not Guilty, you are in no way shape or form lying to the court. You are simply choosing not to give up your rights at the moment. The Judge will not be angry with you for pleading Not Guilty.
What happens if you are found guilty after pleading not guilty?
But of course, even if you plead not guilty, you can still be found guilty of some or all of your charges after the trial. That means you may be subject to full sentencing — and the previous plea bargains offered to you will no longer be available.
Is pleading guilty a bad thing?
Accepting guilt means waiving numerous rights, including the right to a trial by jury and the possibility of being found not guilty. Furthermore, a guilty plea, even to a lesser charge, is an admission of guilt that remains on your record, which can potentially affect future opportunities and personal freedom.
Why do lawyers tell you to plead not guilty?
The not guilty plea allows the case to continue, so the lawyer can get more legal fees. It also allows the prosecution and defense to work on a plea bargain, often to the mutual benefit of the defendant and the prosecution. The courts punish people who turn down plea bargains and are found guilty at trial severely.
What does a not guilty plea mean?
Not Guilty Plea
The defendant is informing the court that he or she denies guilt or has a defense in the case and that the state must prove what it has charged in the complaint. If you choose to plea "Not Guilty", you have a right to a jury trial, unless you waive that right and request a trial by judge.